In Conversation with Joseph Coelho

Joseph gave a presentation during which he explained his journey to becoming a poet as well as the inspiration behind his new book. Following this, he held a book signing, with every pupil in attendance taking home a copy of Relic Hamilton: Genie Hunter.

After the event, we caught up with Joseph to ask a few questions about the importance of libraries and children’s literary events.

As a local boy, could you share your thoughts about being on stage at the New Wimbledon Theatre and what events like these mean to children’s literature?

I think events like this are key for young people. To allow them to get out into the world and let them have different cultural interactions. For some of them, it might be the first time that they have been in a theatre space like this. For others, it might be the first time that they have been to a literature event. It’s great for them to experience an author and understand that authors are (hopefully) living people that they can ask questions to and interact with!  That can be hugely important in inspiring the next generation of artists. I was certainly inspired when the poet Jean “Binta” Breeze visited my school. It was the first time I realised I could be a writer, and I hope some of the students today realise that they can be writers too!

In your former role as Children’s Laureate, you became the figurehead for inspiring young people to take up reading and writing. You spoke to the pupils about the library marathon you embarked on around the UK in which you became a member of every library authority in the country. What did you discover about Britain’s libraries on travels?

Whilst I was doing the library marathon, I realised the amount of passion and dedication that librarians have for getting the right book into the right hands. We’ve had a bit of an issue with library closures recently. I think it’s a complete shame when libraries close because that talent and stock is gone from the community. We must do everything we can to stop library closures, and one of the best ways to do that is by using them as often as possible. I really wanted to inspire people to join their libraries. They can be quiet spaces for young people who don’t have quiet spaces at home to study. They can borrow books meaning they don’t have to spend money buying books. Importantly, they can borrow any book. They can get advice from librarians who are not only able to recommend books but also to be guardians of factual knowledge and I think that’s key as well.

You spoke today about embedding that accessibility into the books that children read. How do you make your work accessible in that regard and what do you hope children find when they read your books?

I try to make my work accessible to all sorts of children but I reflect particularly on my upbringing; a working-class upbringing on a council estate. That certainly wasn’t something I was reading about as a kid. It gives me great pleasure to bring the environments and people that I recognise into my stories so that kids can read about themselves the wider world around them. I think it is really important that we all read about ourselves and about each other.

Finally, ‘Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter’ incorporates so many aspects of your personal life, your travels, and your academic interests. You presented the prizes for our young writer’s competition today, what advice would give to those putting pen to paper for next year’s competition?

My top tips for any new young writers would be to make your writing your own. That classic phrase “write what you know” really does work. Draw on your own experience. Mine your past. Think back to places you’ve seen, and people you met. Things you’ve seen, heard, smelt. Really draw on your life experience and you’ll be amazed at how rich you can make your writing!

Relic Hamilton: Genie Hunter is available now.